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What Is the Relationship between Progesterone and Breast Cancer?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Scientific studies show a link between the hormone progesterone and breast cancer. When women have too little progesterone in their bodies, they may face a higher risk of developing cancer of the breast tissue. It is important to understand, however, that the problem isn't usually just related to a lack of progesterone alone; instead, it is caused by an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen. When progesterone levels are low and estrogen levels are too high, a woman may suffer from estrogen dominance. In such a case, she may face a higher level of risk when it comes to breast cancer and other health problems.
The hormones that are produced and released in the body have significant effects on health. Two very important hormones, called estrogen and progesterone, are both very important for the health of the breasts and reproductive organs. Both hormones are usually kept well in balance in the female body, but problems may occur when levels change. Imbalances of these hormones are at the root of the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer. If progesterone levels fall too low for a sustained period of time, a woman may face an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
When considering the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer, the term estrogen dominance is often mentioned. Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels rise too high and progesterone levels drop too low. In such a case, a woman may face a higher risk of developing not only cancerous breast tumors, but also a range of other health problems. For example, a woman who struggles with estrogen dominance may have abnormal periods or struggle with infertility, uterine cancer, or unwanted weight gain. Some scientists even assert that estrogen dominance and lacking progesterone may even lead to immune problems.
A person can think of progesterone as a protective hormone when analyzing the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer. Scientific studies show that unchecked estrogen is a problem when it comes to cancers that affect the breast tissue and reproductive organs. As such, the presence of significant levels of progesterone, which work to balance estrogen levels, may actually reduce estrogen-related cancer risk. For this reason, people may consider it a natural type of protector. It is important to understand, however, that even people with normal progesterone levels can develop these types of cancers, as there are many factors that may affect a woman's breast cancer risk.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
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![When analyzing the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer, progesterone is a protective hormone.]()
By: rob3000When analyzing the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer, progesterone is a protective hormone. -
![Pregnant women typically have higher progesterone levels.]()
By: JorgeAlejandroPregnant women typically have higher progesterone levels. -
![Women who have too little progesterone in their bodies may face a higher risk of developing breast cancer.]()
By: logos2012Women who have too little progesterone in their bodies may face a higher risk of developing breast cancer. -
![Progesterone levels fluxuate over the course of a woman's menstrual cycle.]()
By: Dragos IliescuProgesterone levels fluxuate over the course of a woman's menstrual cycle. -
![An oncologist or other physician may order diagnostic tests to help assess a patient's risk for breast cancer.]()
By: JackFAn oncologist or other physician may order diagnostic tests to help assess a patient's risk for breast cancer.
Discussion Comments
Compounding pharmacies are another option that some people take advantage of. You can purchase different menopause creams from them that are compounded to work with your situation. After doing some hormone testing you will have a better idea of what you are low in and you can have the pharmacy compound something just for you.
It is always a good idea to be tested soon after starting this type of treatment so you make sure you keep a good balance. You will usually know just by the way you are feeling - and nobody knows your body better than you do, but it is always good to see the numbers. Always work with your doctor or find one that will work with you!
I know you can also have a saliva test done to determine your hormone levels. The hardest part about hormone tests are that your hormones are so different on different days of the month, so you would have to have several done to get an accurate results. Low progesterone levels can cause havoc with your body, and if there are natural treatments that can help, I would think it would be worth looking into.
It can be hard to know which approach is best because of the cancer scare with hormone replacement therapy, so it is good to take some time to do your own research before discussing it with a trusted health professional.
Keeping hormones balanced can be a challenge for most of a woman's life. There are different levels of hormones needed at the many different stages of life and keeping them balanced is key to feeling your best. I know many women who choose a natural progesterone therapy approach.
There are many cream progesterone therapy treatments on the market that are bio-identical, which means they are similar to the progesterone your body makes. As you age, your body does not make as much of this hormone and may be the cause of some side effects such as hot flashes and night sweats.
This is an alternative that is available, but I would always check with your doctor before just starting any kind of treatment.
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